"What I spent I had; what I saved I lost; what I gave I have."

Dear older brother,

     I must say, you draw much criticism from the rest of our family.   Frankly, I think it's uncalled for.   As a minister, I have always tried not to participate in their petty jealousies.   After all, they have access to the same opportunities as you, and can become as equally rich if they apply themselves.   However, I've often wondered what drives you to continuously amass such great wealth, and I believe I finally know the answer.   Without all that money, you'd be at the mercy of sin.
     Money makes disease treatable; lies conceivable; crime becomes defendable with any loss, replaceable.   With money, the unexpected is controllable; the unknown becomes bearable.
Money keeps your head above the ravishes of this sin-cursed world.   It shelters, and clothes, and makes your next meal predictable.   "Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing," (Rev. 3:17) and thus, money grants you the provision and safety you would otherwise need . . .
from God
     Think how less fortunate are those who must depend upon God, unable to bribe the world into meeting their needs.   Think how helpless you would feel if your only weapon against sin was God.   How would you survive, void of economic resources, forced to solve every problem by depending instead of spending?
     However, with the fortune you have amassed, you can easily say to your soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry" (Luke 12:19).
Therefore, as long as you have the resources in this life, I suppose you don't need to seek God's face.
     Now, if you could only take it with you . . .

Yours Truly,

The Blessed Poor

[Christian Helps Ministry (USA)] [Christian Home Bible Course]